Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are a fun snack that’s full of flavor! Loaded with spicy buffalo chicken and creamy cheese, these tasty rolls are perfect for parties or whenever you need a quick bite.
Rolling them up is almost as easy as eating them! I love serving them with a side of ranch dressing for a cool dip. Trust me, they won’t last long on the table! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my favorite, as it saves time. If you’re vegetarian, try using shredded jackfruit or tofu seasoned with similar spices for a delicious twist.
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese makes this rich and creamy. Neufchâtel is a lighter option, while vegan cream cheese can work for a dairy-free version.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice, but you can use any hot sauce you like. For less heat, try a milder sauce or mix buffalo sauce with some ranch dressing.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a nice flavor, but you can switch it up with Monterey Jack or Colby for different tastes. Skip the blue cheese if you’re not a fan and bump up the cheddar instead!
Flour Tortillas: Large flour tortillas are perfect for rolling, but you can use whole wheat, spinach, or gluten-free tortillas to mix it up. Smaller tortillas make great bite-sized pinwheels!
How Do I Make Sure My Pinwheels Are Easy to Slice?
To get perfect pinwheels, chilling the rolled tortillas is key. This firms them up, making slicing much easier. Follow these steps for the best results:
- After rolling, wrap each tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps the shape and helps them firm up in the fridge.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better! The flavors meld, and the pinwheels hold together well.
- When slicing, use a sharp knife and gently press down—avoid twisting to keep each pinwheel intact and avoid squishing it.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
For the Wrap:
- 4 large flour tortillas
Optional for Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you will need to chill the pinwheels for at least 1 hour. Altogether, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 15 minutes before enjoying these delicious snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a fork or spatula to blend everything until it’s smooth and well combined. You want a nice creamy mixture that’s full of flavor!
2. Prepare the Tortillas:
Take out each flour tortilla and lay them flat on a clean surface like a cutting board or counter. It’s important for them to be flat so that the filling spreads evenly.
3. Spread the Mixture:
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread an even layer of the buffalo chicken mixture over each tortilla. Be sure to cover it almost to the edges, leaving a little space to avoid spilling when you roll it up!
4. Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle the chopped green onions and blue cheese crumbles evenly across the buffalo chicken mixture. This adds extra flavor and a delicious crunch!
5. Roll It Up:
Carefully roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape, starting from one end and rolling towards the other. Try to keep it tight but be gentle so the filling doesn’t squish out. You want a nice, neat roll!
6. Chill the Rolls:
Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap to help it hold its shape, and place them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling time helps firm everything up, making slicing easier.
7. Slice the Pinwheels:
After chilling, take the plastic wrap off and slice each log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Use a sharp knife and apply gentle pressure to get clean slices.
8. Plate and Garnish:
Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter. If you like, sprinkle a few more blue cheese crumbles and green onions on top for a nice presentation!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for some dipping fun. They make a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds flavor to your pinwheels. Just remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What Can I Use Instead of Blue Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can skip it entirely or substitute with feta for a similar crumbly texture. Feel free to use more shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess instead!
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can keep them whole or sliced, just make sure to wrap them tightly to maintain freshness!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes, these pinwheels can be made a day in advance! After rolling and wrapping them in plastic wrap, just refrigerate. Slice them right before serving for the best presentation!
